Free A Murder in Mohair by Anne Canadeo Page B

table.
    â€œSpirit guides, spirit masters, spirits of our loved ones who have passed from this material realm, we gather seeking answers, seeking guidance to navigate this earthly plane. We are protected by the light of love and the circle of our auras from all lower entities.”
    At this phrase, Phoebe’s head darted to one side; she stared at Lucy, looking nervous.
    â€œWe permit only positive, loving energy to come forth to speak with us,” Cassandra continued. “Thank you, God. And so it is.”
    Lucy had snuck her eyes open already, but pretended they had been closed just as the psychic sat back with a calm, satisfied smile. Another moment of silence passed.
    â€œWe’re ready,” Cassandra said finally. “I feel the presence. . . . Yes, they’ve joined us.”
    Phoebe gripped Lucy’s forearm like a vise. “I thought there were only going to be cards?” she whispered.
    Obviously, not quietly enough. “Yes . . . of course. You requested cards. I have them right here,” Cassandra answered before Lucy could. “But cards are just a communication tool, like many others. Sometimes you speak to a friend on the phone and sometimes you send an e-mail, right?”
    Phoebe nodded.
    â€œIt’s the same with spirits. They speak to me through different modalities.”
    â€œUm . . . okay.” Phoebe nodded. Lucy could tell she was still nervous.
    â€œYou can leave if you want, Phoebe. It’s fine. You don’t have to stay for the rest,” Lucy whispered.
    â€œYes, Phoebe. It’s fine. Please don’t stay if this disturbs you,” Maggie added.
    â€œNo . . . it’s okay. I’ll stay.” Phoebe’s tone was shaky but Lucy could see her curiosity had won out.
    Cassandra took the thick deck of cards and shuffled several times, then passed it to Suzanne. “Why don’t you start? Shuffle the cards a few times and think of your questions or concerns. When you’re done, just set the deck down in front of you. I feel your energy,” she added. “You have a powerful soul. A warrior’s soul.”
    â€œGee . . . thanks. I’m not exactly a pushover.” Lucy could see Suzanne glow at the compliment—she did fancy herself as a tough cookie. With a heart of gold, of course.
    Cassandra knew how to endear herself to her clients, didn’t she? Lucy wondered what the psychic would say when her turn rolled around.
    The room was silent and eerie in the shadowy light, the soft swishing sound of the cards like a bird’s wing, gently flapping. Suzanne set the deck down and turned to the psychic.
    â€œI’d like you to make three piles, facedown,” Cassandra said. “They don’t need to be even. Anyway you like.”
    Suzanne stared at the cards a moment, as if this was an important decision, then split the deck. She sat back and took a breath.
    Cassandra smiled gently. “Don’t be nervous. Even if I see a challenge, I’ll explain it in the most positive light. There’s a spiritual solution to every problem. And a new beginning in every ending. I want you all to remember that.” Her soft voice reassured them as she flipped the top card of each pile.
    Lucy had to admit, that wasn’t bad advice at all. In general. She already expected to see a few challenges in her cards.
    Suzanne leaned over to stare at the cards that were revealed.
    Then she glanced at her friends. “I know zilch about the tarot . . . are those cards good or bad?”
    Cassandra shook her head. “There’s no such thing as good or bad. Think of it as information. It’s your choice to take action on these messages, or not. There is no predetermined future for anyone, though we all have a path or goal our souls have chosen before our birth here on Earth.”
    Here on Earth? Were there any other planets to choose from? Lucy wondered. She